Is God Anti-gay?

1. The Gospel's Universal Call: Repent and Believe

God’s message for gay people is the same as his message for everyone. Repent and believe.

Jesus' core message. The author's personal journey, discovering his same-sex attraction around the same time he encountered Jesus, highlights the universal nature of the gospel. Jesus' announcement, "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!", is for all humanity, regardless of background or sexual orientation. It's an invitation to turn from our self-directed paths and embrace God's forgiveness and new life.

A fresh start. Repentance means changing direction, acknowledging we're not heading where God intends. Believing the gospel means accepting that through Jesus' death and resurrection, we can be reconciled with God and begin living as he designed. This message isn't tailored to different demographics; it's a singular, life-changing offer of forgiveness and profound love for everyone.

Beyond categories. Jesus didn't subdivide humanity into categories for different messages. Whether introverted or extroverted, gay or straight, the call is the same: find fullness of life in God. The gospel offers the same deep, wonderful, life-changing love to all who respond with repentance and faith.

2. God's Intentional Design for Sex and Marriage

Sex is God’s idea. It was not our invention but his gift.

Sex is good. Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not disapprove of sex. Genesis reveals that God created humankind male and female, commanding them to "be fruitful and increase in number." Sex is a divine gift, designed not just for reproduction but also for deep pleasure, signifying God's goodness.

Two purposes. Genesis 1 and 2 present two complementary purposes for sex within marriage. Genesis 1 emphasizes reproduction, enabling humanity to fill the earth and rule over it. Genesis 2 zooms in on the creation of woman as a perfect "helper" for man, highlighting the complementarity that leads to profound unity and the "one flesh" union in marriage.

Marriage's foundation. Jesus reinforces this, characterizing all sexual activity outside marriage as "evil" (porneia). Marriage, as established "from the beginning," is exclusively between one man and one woman, reflecting:

• God's nature: Unity in diversity (like the Trinity).
• Procreation: The possibility of new life and "godly offspring."
• Christ and the Church: A profound mystery of union between two distinct, complementary entities.

3. The Bible's Consistent Prohibition of Homosexual Activity

The consistent teaching of the Bible is clear: God forbids homosexual activity.

Clear, though infrequent. While direct mentions of homosexuality are few, the Bible's stance is clear and consistent. These passages, though not the Bible's central theme, are crucial and must be understood within the broader gospel message. They are not the only thing God says to homosexual people, but they are important.

Old Testament prohibitions:

• Genesis 19 (Sodom): Condemns "unnatural desire" and sexual perversion, alongside other sins, as a warning of God's serious judgment on sexual sin.
• Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13: Explicitly forbid a man lying with a male "as with a woman," describing it as an "abomination." This applies to general, consensual homosexual activity, not just cultic prostitution.

New Testament condemnations:

• Romans 1:26-27: Paul describes both lesbian and male homosexual behavior as "unnatural," contradicting God's created purpose. It's presented as a sign of God's judgment, where humanity is "given over" to its sinful desires after rejecting God.
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 & 1 Timothy 1:9-10: List "men who practice homosexuality" (malakoi and arsenokoitai, referring to both passive and active partners) among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God. This highlights the seriousness of homosexual sin, though it is not unique among other grave sins like greed or theft.

4. Distinguishing Same-Sex Attraction from Sinful Action

To say that the very experience of SSA is a sin seems to suggest that even having the capacity to be tempted is itself a sin, something that I do not believe Scripture says.

Consequence of the Fall. Same-sex attraction (SSA) is not inherently good; it is a consequence of the Fall, a distortion of God's original design for humanity. It did not exist before sin entered the world and will not exist in the new creation. It reflects our fallenness, not how God originally made us.

Temptation vs. sin. Christians have historically distinguished between temptation and sin. Jesus himself was tempted but did not sin. We are called to pray for deliverance from temptation, not forgiveness for merely experiencing it. The sin occurs when we succumb to temptation in thought or action.

Pastoral sensitivity. Labeling SSA itself as sin can cause immense shame and spiritual damage to believers already struggling. It's crucial to affirm that the presence of temptation, while not ideal, does not disqualify one as a Christian. The battle is to resist impure thoughts and actions, trusting God's strength.

5. Identity in Christ, Not in Sexual Orientation

As we have already seen, Paul can say of Christian men and women who were once practising homosexuality: “That is what some of you were” (1 Corinthians 6 v 11).

Beyond definition. In a culture that often equates sexuality with identity, Christians must understand that their deepest identity is found in Christ, not in their sexual orientation. While SSA is part of what one feels, it is not who one fundamentally is. Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 6:11 emphasize a radical change in identity for those who come to Christ.

Not a disqualifier. Many Christians experiencing SSA feel spiritually unclean or "damaged goods." However, no temptation, no matter how persistent, threatens one's standing "in Christ." It is only through Christ that anyone is righteous and presented holy and blameless before God.

Perspective on struggles. While SSA can be a significant struggle, it should not become the sole lens through which one views their entire Christian life. Other sins and struggles, like greed, also warrant serious attention. Our identity as new creations in Christ transcends any particular struggle or temptation.

6. The Godly Alternatives: Heterosexual Marriage or Celibacy

One marries, or remains single. There is no third possibility, whether of a homosexual partnership or a heterosexual unmarried partnership.

No third option. Jesus' teaching on marriage in Matthew 19, when his disciples balked at its seriousness, points to celibacy as the only godly alternative to heterosexual marriage. He mentions "eunuchs" – those who forego marriage due to birth, human intervention, or a voluntary decision for the kingdom of heaven. This means any sexual activity outside of a one-man, one-woman marriage is prohibited.

Singleness is required. For Christians with SSA for whom heterosexual marriage is not a realistic prospect, chaste singleness is the biblical call. This is not a suggestion but a requirement, rooted in God's clear design for sexuality and marriage. It demands abstaining from all sexual activity.

Possible for some. While a complete change of sexual orientation is not promised in this life, some Christians with SSA may find themselves able to enter into and enjoy a happy heterosexual marriage. This could be due to a measure of change in desires or finding deep companionship and sufficient chemistry despite ongoing SSA.

7. Singleness as a Valued Gift and Opportunity

Singleness is not just the absence of marriage, but is a good and blessed thing in and of itself.

A divine gift. The Bible, particularly Paul in 1 Corinthians 7, presents singleness as a "gift" from God, just like marriage. It is not a lesser state or a temporary holding pattern, but a valid and blessed way of life. Jesus himself, the most fully human person, was single, demonstrating that marriage is not intrinsic to wholeness.

Unique advantages. Singleness offers distinct opportunities and freedoms. Paul notes that single individuals are spared certain "troubles in this life" associated with marital and family responsibilities. This allows for:

• Undivided devotion to God.
• Greater capacity for friendship.
• Increased flexibility in lifestyle and ministry.
• The ability to serve others in unique ways.

Historical precedent. Church history is rich with examples of lifelong singles who have profoundly blessed God's people and the world through missionary work, ministry, and faithful friendship. Embracing singleness as a gift allows Christians to maximize these opportunities for God's glory and personal growth.

8. God's Redemptive Purpose in Our Struggles

God’s good plan is for there to be a vast crowd of people like Christ. This is the good into which he is pressing all things.

Good from all things. Romans 8:28 assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him." This includes our struggles with sinful tendencies, even those like SSA that are consequences of the Fall. God uses these experiences to conform us to the image of his Son, Jesus Christ.

Paul's thorn. The apostle Paul's "thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12) serves as a powerful analogy. Though painful and a "messenger from Satan," God allowed it to remain to prevent Paul from becoming conceited, demonstrating that God's grace is sufficient and his power is made perfect in weakness. Our struggles, though not good in themselves, can become means of grace.

Deeper appreciation. For Christians wrestling with SSA, the battle can be acutely painful and long-lasting. Yet, in God's hands, these struggles are not wasted. They can lead to:

• Increased compassion and sensitivity.
• Unique ministry opportunities.
• A deeper appreciation of God's unfathomable goodness and the all-sufficiency of his grace.

9. The Church's Vital Role in Support and Welcome

The church on earth is God’s visual aid to the spiritual world of what he is like.

God's visual aid. The church, despite its imperfections, is God's chosen instrument to display his "manifold wisdom" to the spiritual world and to humanity. This includes how it addresses and supports members struggling with homosexuality. It must be a place of love, grace, and truth.

Welcoming all. When a gay couple or any non-Christian comes to church, the priority is to welcome them and introduce them to the gospel. Immediate confrontation about their sexuality is unnecessary; the focus should be on them hearing the good news of Christ first, allowing conversations about lifestyle to emerge within the context of God's grace.

Supporting Christians with SSA:

• Openness: Create a culture where it's safe to discuss struggles without judgment or hurtful language.
• Honoring singleness: Affirm celibacy as a valid and blessed calling, not a deficiency.
• Family ethos: Emphasize the church as God's family, providing relational support and community.
• Biblical models: Promote biblical masculinity and femininity, avoiding superficial cultural stereotypes.
• Pastoral care: Offer visible, structured or informal support (groups, mentoring, accountability) for long-term discipleship.

10. Engaging the World with Grace and Truth

We need to love them more than their gay friends do, and we need to love them more than they love their homosexuality.

Friendship first. When a non-Christian friend comes out as gay, the initial response should be gratitude for their openness and assurance of continued friendship. While Christians hold a different view on sexuality, this isn't the moment for immediate debate. Instead, listen to their story, ask questions, and pray for them, seeking to deepen the friendship.

Sharing Christ effectively. To share Christ with a gay friend, Christians must demonstrate genuine love and care, being "for them" rather than "against them." When discussing biblical truths about sexuality, explain why God forbids homosexual activity, grounding it in his design and goodness, and showing how repentance and self-denial are universal calls for all believers.

Credible witness. The church's witness to the world on this issue hinges on two things:

• Gospel clarity: Clearly articulate that the gospel is good news for all sinners, including sexual sinners, without superiority.
• Relational credibility: Embody genuine love for one another within the church community. Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love for another." The quality of Christian community life is the most compelling demonstration of God's ways.

11. Jesus Christ: The Ultimate Source of Satisfaction

He—and he alone—is the one who satisfies.

The bread of life. Jesus' claim, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty," is a profound truth. Just as bread was essential for physical survival in ancient times, Jesus is essential for spiritual life and ultimate satisfaction. He is not merely a means to an end, but the end itself.

Beyond idolatry. The author's personal struggle with emotional over-dependency on friends highlights the danger of idolatry – placing another person or anything else at the center of one's life. Such misplaced devotion creates unfulfillable yearnings and burdens relationships. Jesus alone can satisfy our deepest emotional and spiritual needs.

The prize. The gospel promises that Jesus himself is the great gift. He satisfies our deepest longings, offering a life far better when he is at the center. For all believers, including those with same-sex attraction, allegiance to Christ is costly yet glorious, leading to a hundredfold return in relational generosity and eternal life. He is the ultimate prize.